Counter Drone Technology for Airports
The current rise in the use of drones has caused an increase in the number of near-miss incidents and increased the risk of drone-related air traffic disruptions.
Consumer and commercial drones generally weigh less than 2kg. Although quadcopters are by far the most sought-after, other fixed-wing drones are also available too.
Drones can last a battery that lasts for around 30 minutes on one charge. Although there are no regulations drones are capable of flying at altitudes that range from 6000 m with a maximum achievable range of 8 km distance from their control. It is the same that aircrafts carrying passengers can be found at when they take off or landing at airports.
Recent research has proven drone collisions can be more fatal than birds strikes with the same energy. A plane could sustain structural damage as a result of an unmanned drone collision, leading to an accident.
Aside from accidental collisions and interruptions caused by untrained drone operators, there's also the risk of intentional collisions. Consumer drones are able to carry loads of up to 500g and commercial drones can carry over 6 kilograms. Criminals could use this technology to launch explosives and even crashing planes with drones.
There are a variety of anti-drone technology that could help stop the threat. While monitoring is encouraged drone neutralization techniques are not legally permitted in many countries. The most common monitoring equipment is Radar, RF Analyzers Acoustic Systems and Cameras. Each has their particular pros and pros.
Common countermeasure technology equipment comprises Birds of Prey, HELs, Net Guns as well as Nets HPM equipment, GPS Spoofers, and RF jammers. Although none of them is allowed yet, as per rules and regulations Net Guns are appropriate due to the lower level of collateral damage risk in airports.
EMPs, RF jamming and GPS Spoofing pose more collateral damage risks, however, they can also yield positive outcomes when properly used.
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